2XKO’s Director Confirms Fan Demand for Yordles and Explores In-Game Integration Strategies

The competitive fighting game arena is abuzz with anticipation for 2XKO, the ambitious title that has once again graced the stage at Evo 2025. Amidst the high-octane battles and fervent fan discussions, we had the distinct privilege of engaging in an in-depth conversation with Shaun Rivera, the game’s esteemed director. Our discussion spanned a myriad of topics, but at the forefront of player interest, and indeed our own, was the persistent question surrounding the potential inclusion of Yordles within the 2XKO roster.

The presence of Yordles has been a recurring point of discussion, a veritable sticking point for many dedicated players, and a topic we specifically addressed with Shaun Rivera at Evo 2024. Last year, the primary hurdle identified was their diminutive stature, a design element that presented unique challenges in balancing gameplay mechanics. Rivera at that time articulated the potential frustration players might experience when encountering gameplay disadvantages stemming solely from character size, rather than skill or strategic execution. He highlighted the discomfort of having to adapt combos and fighting styles to accommodate such inherent disparities, which can feel unfair and detract from the core tenets of competitive play.

Returning to our conversation at Evo 2025, it was imperative to ascertain if there had been any evolution in the development team’s perspective regarding the integration of Yordles. The sentiment from Rivera this year suggests a significant shift, a softening of the stance that previously prioritized avoiding size-based gameplay frustrations. His renewed openness signals a greater willingness to explore creative solutions that could bring these beloved characters into the 2XKO universe.

“I’ll say that one of the things we’re not as excited about is when you’re fighting against a character just because of their size, like, oh, man, they’re so small that my combos drop, and I have to learn a whole new set of combos just for this one character, right?” Rivera candidly shared with us. “And so I think there are tons of ways that we can make a small character work in our game, and we see this in all other kinds of fighting games as well. There are all kinds of ways you can make them work in less frustrating ways.”

This statement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about Yordles in 2XKO. Rivera’s acknowledgment of the inherent design challenges, coupled with his conviction that viable solutions exist, demonstrates a keen awareness of player sentiment and a commitment to addressing it. The reference to other successful fighting games that have managed to incorporate characters of varying sizes without alienating their player base is particularly noteworthy. Titles like Granblue Fantasy Versus, known for its diverse character archetypes and robust mechanics, serve as prime examples of how such design considerations can be overcome with innovative gameplay implementations. The implication is that 2XKO can, and will, learn from these precedents to forge its own path in accommodating Yordles.

Addressing the Yordle Conundrum: Design Challenges and Player Expectations

Our follow-up inquiries delved deeper into the practicalities of Yordle integration, building upon the discussions from our previous interview a year prior. One intriguing concept we explored was the possibility of utilizing Lulu’s ultimate ability to temporarily increase a Yordle’s size. While this offered a novel approach to overcoming the height disparity, both Rivera and we concurred that a permanent or fundamentally altered, larger Yordle form might not align with the visual identity and charm that players associate with these characters. The aesthetic appeal of Yordles is intrinsically linked to their diminutive nature, and a drastic alteration could undermine their unique visual identity.

Another, perhaps more humorous, suggestion was the classic “two Yordles in a trench coat” trope, a playful nod to their ability to appear larger or disguised. Rivera’s amused reaction to this idea underscores the community’s creative engagement with the concept and the lighthearted, yet earnest, desire to see these characters represented. This banter, however, highlights the creative wellspring of ideas that the community is generating, all stemming from a genuine affection for the Yordles and a desire to see them authentically represented within 2XKO.

Rivera further elaborated on the persistent nature of the Yordle question, stating, “I think the topic of Yordles comes up a lot because they’re really unique to the IP. You know, you love them or you hate them. They’re very polarizing, too. And I think there’s a real ask for this kind of weird character that people want to play. And again, like I mentioned before about the roster, we really want to deliver.”

This candid admission from the director is crucial. It acknowledges that Yordles are not just another character archetype but are deeply intertwined with the unique identity of the League of Legends universe from which 2XKO draws its inspiration. Their polarizing nature—loved by many, perhaps less so by others—only amplifies the demand. This duality means that when the community asks for Yordles, it’s a fervent and passionate plea for characters who embody a distinct brand of “weirdness” and charm that is currently missing from the 2XKO roster. The desire for such unique characters is not merely a passing fancy; it is a significant driver of community engagement and a clear indicator of what players are eager to experience within the game. Rivera’s commitment to “really want[ing] to deliver” on these player desires is a powerful statement of intent.

Rumble’s Mech: A Practical Pathway for Yordle Representation

Undeterred, we pressed Rivera further on concrete examples of how Yordles could be implemented. The suggestion of Rumble, a prominent Yordle known for piloting his formidable mech, the Juggernaut, was put forth as a particularly compelling and practical solution. Rumble’s signature vehicle offers a built-in mechanism to circumvent the size issue entirely, presenting him as a character whose gameplay is centered around a larger, more imposing presence due to his technological augmentation. This approach sidesteps the inherent challenges associated with making a small character a fair and balanced opponent without resorting to purely cosmetic alterations.

Rivera’s responses to these more pointed inquiries were characterized by a thoughtful reserve, yet they were imbued with a palpable sense of optimism. He articulated a guiding principle that seems to be shaping the development team’s approach: “If people are like—we really want this type of gameplay or this character—we’re gonna find a way.” This statement is profoundly significant. It signals a proactive stance, where player demand is not just heard but is actively being considered as a driving force for creative problem-solving. It suggests that the team is not waiting for perfect solutions to materialize but is actively engaged in the process of innovation to meet player expectations.

This philosophy implies that the inclusion of Yordles, whether through unique gameplay mechanics like Rumble’s mech or entirely new design paradigms, is no longer a question of if, but how. The focus has shifted from overcoming insurmountable obstacles to identifying the most effective and engaging methods of integration. This is precisely what the 2XKO community has been hoping to hear. The knowledge that their collective voice and desires are being taken seriously, and that the development team is committed to finding a way to satisfy them, is immensely encouraging.

The Future of Yordles in 2XKO: A Bandle City Promise

Therefore, the outlook for Yordles in 2XKO appears brighter than ever. The directorial insight from Shaun Rivera suggests a clear understanding of the player base’s passion for these distinct characters and a genuine commitment to finding viable, enjoyable ways to incorporate them into the game. Whether this manifests as characters like Rumble piloting their signature machinery, or through entirely novel gameplay systems designed to accommodate smaller combatants, the promise remains: player-driven demand will be a key factor in shaping the roster.

The journey towards Yordle representation in 2XKO has been one of nuanced discussion, creative brainstorming, and a demonstrable evolution in the development team’s perspective. The acknowledgment of their unique appeal and the recognition of their polarizing yet passionately advocated presence within the League of Legends IP are critical. As 2XKO continues to evolve and solidify its position in the competitive fighting game landscape, the potential inclusion of Yordles stands as a testament to the power of community feedback and a developer’s willingness to listen and adapt.

The path forward is one that excites many, particularly those who hold a special place in their hearts for the denizens of Bandle City. The commitment to finding a way, regardless of the challenges, suggests that the developers are dedicated to ensuring that 2XKO is not just a game of skill and competition, but also a faithful and comprehensive representation of the beloved universe it draws from. We, along with countless other Bandle City enthusiasts, eagerly await the day when these small, yet mighty, champions take to the 2XKO battlefield. The anticipation is palpable, and the hope for Yordles in all their shapes and sizes is now a tangible possibility, driven by clear communication and a shared vision for the game’s future.